G23 vs New Xstar vs M235

[nyryan2001]

Thank you! Putting it down helps with making my comparisons and who knows, may help someone else

Have you made a decision as to which you will buy? Or still shopping?

[ST3]

Have you made a decision as to which you will buy? Or still shopping?

Same question here. The reviews are very detailed. Thank you. Knowing what your final choice is/was and why will be valuable as well.




Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[fearocks]

Have you made a decision as to which you will buy? Or still shopping?

I was going to demo a Centurion, due to suggestions, however, the lack of rear lounge seats and the less tech integrated dash detoured me. The dealer's still trying to get me to demo, so if they keep pushing, I'll take it out, just as a comparison and post my thoughts, but it's pretty much between the X24 and G23 at this point... I'll try and post my comparisons this evening.

[fearocks]

Same question here. The reviews are very detailed. Thank you. Knowing what your final choice is/was and why will be valuable as well.




Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

I'm going to try and post my final comparisons this evening, but it's down to the G23 and X24... still haven't made a decision between those two yet

[fearocks]

THIS FOLLOWING IS MY G23 vs M235 vs X24 COMPARISON

	WINNER	RUNNER UP	NOTES
INTERIOR
Fit & Finish	G23	X24
Bow Room	X24	M235
Captain's Legroom	G23	M235
Captain's Recliner	X24	-
Rear Recliner	X24	M235	This will be added to the 2020 G23
Storage	G23	X24
Seat Comfort	X24	G23	Big win for the X24
No Heat Seat Fabric	X24	-
Interior Cooler	G23	X24 / M235
Exterior Cooler	G23	X24
Wet Storage	M235	X24
Seat Layout	X24	M235
Step Down Matting	M235	G23
Remote Heaters	M235	-	I can't see using this unless it's really cold
Seat Depth	M235	X24
DIGITAL TECH
Screen Clarity	M235	G23
Keyless Ignition	G23	-
Convenience Controls	G23	X24 / M235
Phone Charging	M235	G23	G23 will add wireless charging for 2020
Stereo	G23	M235	Big win for the G23
Intuitive Controls	X24	M235	I'm a software designer, so I may be overcritical
Screen Layout	X24	G23
Screen Response	G23	X24
Adv. Audio Functions	G23	M235
GPS	X24	G23
EXTERIOR
Stern Thruster	G23	-
Quick Fill Ballast	X24	-
Tower Clearance	M235	X24
Exhaust into Water	G23 / M235	-
Bimini Coverage	G23	X24 / M235
Bimini Clearance	X24 / M235	-	You can't move the G23 out of the way 100%
Bimini Collapse	X24	G23	M235 takes a long time
Swim Platform	G23	M235
Rope Mount(s)	X24	G23 / M235
Windshield	G23	M235
Dock Star	X24	-
RIDE
Onto Plane	G23	X24
Smooth Ride	G23	X24
Acceleration	X24	G23
Pull Power	M235	G23
Engine Noise	G23	X24
Agility	X24	G23
WAVE
Switching	X24	G23
Formation Time	X24	G23
Customization	X24	M235
Surf	G23	M235
Skim	X24	M235
Height	G23	M235
Length	X24	M235
Pocket	X24	M235
Form	G23	X24	M235 had a rough-looking wave
Extra Weight Req.	X24	G23
WARRANTY
Engine	X24	M235 / G23
Body	G23 / X24	M235

[Wayward]

fearocks - While running down your list, I was nodding my head most of the time, and could agree with most of it. There was a couple things I was curious how you made your determination on, and just a couple that i'm baffled by.....

1- I'd think screen clarity would be a tie with the G and X24. The screen is the identical unit.
2- Bimini Collapse. How does the X24 not kill the others in this? I actually had to do a video for someone once, and you can collapse the bimini, and fold the tower in less than 20 seconds. Collapsing bimini and folding tower on the G is not nearly that quick and easy (although not terrible bad on the new setup). The M is obviously way behind on that.
3- How does the M235 get second place in storage, when the M235 and X24 both have plug and play bags, and the M235 has almost non-existent storage in the whole front of the boat? (X24 has tons of front storage).
4- Id have never considered the G to ride better than the X24. My X24 rode a lot better than any G I had, especially with the center plates deployed 50ish percent.
5- Wave customization. No idea how you could give this to the M235. The gates are not adjustable like the surf systems on the G and X24. Sure, you can adjust the wedge, to change the steepness, but the same can be done with NCRS or the AAP on the other two boats. With full range adjustment on NSS and Gen2, I would definitely give wave customization to the G and X24.
6- Wave size in my experience would have been M235, X24, then G23. If you had done a category for Power and pocket uniformity it would have been X24, G23, M235. If you had a category for the lip on the wave, it would have been G23, X24, M235.


No matter. Some folks view different things in different ways. You have done a proper test, and a thorough review. Great Job!

[fearocks]

fearocks - While running down your list, I was nodding my head most of the time, and could agree with most of it. There was a couple things I was curious how you made your determination on, and just a couple that i'm baffled by.....

1- I'd think screen clarity would be a tie with the G and X24. The screen is the identical unit.

2- Bimini Collapse. How does the X24 not kill the others in this? I actually had to do a video for someone once, and you can collapse the bimini, and fold the tower in less than 20 seconds. Collapsing bimini and folding tower on the G is not nearly that quick and easy (although not terrible bad on the new setup). The M is obviously way behind on that.

3- How does the M235 get second place in storage, when the M235 and X24 both have plug and play bags, and the M235 has almost non-existent storage in the whole front of the boat? (X24 has tons of front storage).

4- Id have never considered the G to ride better than the X24. My X24 rode a lot better than any G I had, especially with the center plates deployed 50ish percent.

5- Wave customization. No idea how you could give this to the M235. The gates are not adjustable like the surf systems on the G and X24. Sure, you can adjust the wedge, to change the steepness, but the same can be done with NCRS or the AAP on the other two boats. With full range adjustment on NSS and Gen2, I would definitely give wave customization to the G and X24.

6- Wave size in my experience would have been M235, X24, then G23. If you had done a category for Power and pocket uniformity it would have been X24, G23, M235. If you had a category for the lip on the wave, it would have been G23, X24, M235.


No matter. Some folks view different things in different ways. You have done a proper test, and a thorough review. Great Job!

1. This may have been due to the default brightness settings of the boat; I didn't actually play with the settings themselves. I just noticed on the G23, I never had to squint, due to the sun being too bright against the screen. Also, this was more of an issue with the side screen, not the front, which could have been due to the lack of a dash overhang. I think it's more of a cockpit design (light blocking), color scheme, and settings sort of thing; both the M235 and G23 use more brilliant colors in their GUI.
2. You've got a great point and I'll probably update my list for that. I originally wanted to give this to the X24, simply because I don't consider what the G23 does, actual "collapsing". The M235 was a brutal mess.
3. Good catch, that was supposed to read X24.... typo there
4. The M235 was definitely a rough ride, the G and the X I tested on the same lake during low population times, but different days. They were both very close, however, going in a straight line, the G felt like it cut through the water better and noticed less shake, however, when you turn, the X24 definitely outshined the G, which is why I created a separate category for agility and gave that to the X
5. I spent quite a bit of time just playing with waves, since I couldn't get out myself and found that I was able to change the steepness and length more on both the X24 and M235. The G23 always looked the best, however roughly stayed the same.... it was difficult to get a drastically different looking wave with the G, however due to your next comment, I'll probably go ahead and create some additional categories and give this one to the X24, with the M235 as the Runner
6. I agree with you on these; I think I'll go ahead and create some additional categories to break it down a little further.

Note: I tried to proofread this and complete the notes section last night, but the site crashed, once I hit post, but I appreciate the read through, as it helps me catch things I missed, or think of it in a different way

[mintmonkey]

Are you considering the new 23 MXZ at all? I've never been a huge malibu fan, but I have to admit that there are some design features on that new boat that look awesome. Will be interesting to hear how it rides.

[Wayward]

1. This may have been due to the default brightness settings of the boat; I didn't actually play with the settings themselves. I just noticed on the G23, I never had to squint, due to the sun being too bright against the screen. Also, this was more of an issue with the side screen, not the front, which could have been due to the lack of a dash overhang. I think it's more of a cockpit design (light blocking), color scheme, and settings sort of thing; both the M235 and G23 use more brilliant colors in their GUI.
2. You've got a great point and I'll probably update my list for that. I originally wanted to give this to the X24, simply because I don't consider what the G23 does, actual "collapsing". The M235 was a brutal mess.
3. Good catch, that was supposed to read X24.... typo there
4. The M235 was definitely a rough ride, the G and the X I tested on the same lake during low population times, but different days. They were both very close, however, going in a straight line, the G felt like it cut through the water better and noticed less shake, however, when you turn, the X24 definitely outshined the G, which is why I created a separate category for agility and gave that to the X
5. I spent quite a bit of time just playing with waves, since I couldn't get out myself and found that I was able to change the steepness and length more on both the X24 and M235. The G23 always looked the best, however roughly stayed the same.... it was difficult to get a drastically different looking wave with the G, however due to your next comment, I'll probably go ahead and create some additional categories and give this one to the X24, with the M235 as the Runner
6. I agree with you on these; I think I'll go ahead and create some additional categories to break it down a little further.

Note: I tried to proofread this and complete the notes section last night, but the site crashed, once I hit post, but I appreciate the read through, as it helps me catch things I missed, or think of it in a different way

Thanks for the further thoughts! Makes perfect sense!

Awesome that you went through all of that effort to tabulate the differences! Definitely one of the most comprehensive comparisons I have ever read on a wakeboat forum!

[fearocks]

G23 vs M235 vs X24 COMPARISON SYNOPSIS

M235: The M235 felt like an expensive boat, but not an experience. It was a solid in-between of the X24 and the G23, but didn't truly excel at either. It was sort of like the brute of the pack; it made a large wave, however rough, the ride was powerful, yet bumpy, it's stereo was loud, but not clear, and the list goes on. You add that along with the fact that it has the lesser of warranties on the body and they're switching to a new engine for 2020 and the risk gets too high, so this one falls off my list; if it were at a cheaper price point I might consider it, but not in the same money as the G23, or X24, much less more.

G23: Although the X24 has the orchestral stereo, the G23 is the more refined of the group. It pays the most attention to detail and has a better sounding entertainment system. If I was going to entertain friends half the time and board the other half, then this is the way I would go.

X24: As a machine, the X24 is great! It produced a great wave, drove the best, all around, and definitely the most comfortable inside... that no heat fabric is real, however, if you want to entertain friends and listen to music while you board, you better plan on visiting an audio shop. If the X24 came with the same sound system as the G23, I'd probably go X24.

DECISION: I'm still up in the air between the X24 and G23, so much as if I decide to get the G23 and take it down to Florida, I'll get the X24 to leave on the lake. However, since there's only one 2020 towboat in my plans, I've got to pick. I'm still waiting as all the details flow in from the 2020 updates, such as more info on the G3's new ZR7 engine option and the X24's upgraded stereo. I'm also speaking with audio shops to see what they can do about replacing the Klipse audio system with something that has a little more feel to it, without losing functionality. Also, I guess price will play some factor since they're so close, such as, can I get a X24 at a price where I can upgrade the stereo and still be in the same ballpark of the G23. I don't feel like I can go wrong with either craft; just which one is the best fit for me right now.


AL26 SIDE NOTE: When I began all this, I was 100% going to pick an AL26, until a friend of a friend, whom I'd hung out with a few times, ended up owning the local Nautique dealership (Shawn @ Norris Marine in Oklahoma), which had a new AL26 in for repairs for the third time this season. I ran around the boat and it was a monster, however, seems like Pavati has a few more rounds to go until they've worked out all the kinks. As a pure party boat, I'd pick that over the other towboats, but I actually like my boats to work and at that price point, there are a lot of better options out there for entertaining.

[Samu]

I don't feel like I can go wrong with either craft; just which one is the best fit for me right now..

Very nice conclusion. I fully agree.

Generally very detailed and readable comparisons from you. Thanks and applause!

[semi]

I will not claim i am some pro rider with the ol wakeboard, but i have been around a few boats and looked and dissected every mfg in my search. I would say G would be the first pick of this litter. Malibu quality isn't what it used to be. I saw it first hand at 2-3 different dealers and boat shows. I started out wanting a Malibu but after seeing the craftsmanship i would NOT spend my money there. Also, the M235 is not a popular boat. I haven't seen one on the water ever. The G is the standard to me when spending 6 figures. I have also owned MC's but to tell the truth i think they are still chasing Natique. You may want to pick the dealer you feel most comfortable between MC and SAN. That may be all you need. But my dream boat is still a natique.

[fearocks]

Are you considering the new 23 MXZ at all? I've never been a huge malibu fan, but I have to admit that there are some design features on that new boat that look awesome. Will be interesting to hear how it rides.

In hindsight, I should have tested the 24 MXZ over the M235, especially since it's already equipped with the new Monsoon engine, however sitting inside both before testing, the M235 caught my attention. I'm about to break the news to the Malibu dealer today, however, if they ask me to come back and test the 24 MXZ, I will. There were just a lot of little things, such as issues connecting the phone to the stereo that plagued the Malibu and I'm afraid those quality control issues will be passed down. Also, a week, or two before testing the M235, I was looking at a house in Oklahoma and the agent put me on the phone with his preferred lender, who just happened to get rid of his 23 LSV and went to PWC's for the rest of the season because he had such a bad experience. I think he just snagged a lemon, but he had his new boat in the shop over 5 times and the dealer had to go to bat for him with Malibu to get a full refund... great on the dealer's side, bad on Malibu for attempting not to own up, but at least they did the right thing in the long-run; fyi, I did verify this through other dealers who had to tow his boat out of several lakes (i.e. one time, while putting his boat into the water, all the windows literally fell out and shattered, with no jarring or anything. The 24 MXZ would have to be significantly cheaper for me to really take it into consideration, without taking it out on the water.

[GMLIII]

In hindsight, I should have tested the 24 MXZ over the M235, especially since it's already equipped with the new Monsoon engine, however sitting inside both before testing, the M235 caught my attention. I'm about to break the news to the Malibu dealer today, however, if they ask me to come back and test the 24 MXZ, I will. There were just a lot of little things, such as issues connecting the phone to the stereo that plagued the Malibu and I'm afraid those quality control issues will be passed down. Also, a week, or two before testing the M235, I was looking at a house in Oklahoma and the agent put me on the phone with his preferred lender, who just happened to get rid of his 23 LSV and went to PWC's for the rest of the season because he had such a bad experience. I think he just snagged a lemon, but he had his new boat in the shop over 5 times and the dealer had to go to bat for him with Malibu to get a full refund... great on the dealer's side, bad on Malibu for attempting not to own up, but at least they did the right thing in the long-run; fyi, I did verify this through other dealers who had to tow his boat out of several lakes (i.e. one time, while putting his boat into the water, all the windows literally fell out and shattered, with no jarring or anything. The 24 MXZ would have to be significantly cheaper for me to really take it into consideration, without taking it out on the water.

I know you have don't extensive research and other members have mentioned, but I would definitely put a great emphasis on the dealer, who will give you the best service and that is convenient to you even if it may not be your brand of choice. All these modern wake boats are extremely complicated regardless of brand and require servicing often if you are not prepared to service them yourself. Being around inboards tow boats for 40 plus years, the modern wake boat is a far cry from the Ski Nautique direct drive with a GT 40 in it from the 1990s which was a breeze to service

[fearocks]

I know you have don't extensive research and other members have mentioned, but I would definitely put a great emphasis on the dealer, who will give you the best service and that is convenient to you even if it may not be your brand of choice. All these modern wake boats are extremely complicated regardless of brand and require servicing often if you are not prepared to service them yourself. Being around inboards tow boats for 40 plus years, the modern wake boat is a far cry from the Ski Nautique direct drive with a GT 40 in it from the 1990s which was a breeze to service

Thank you for the advice, as far as lake boats are concerned, aside from a pontoon someone gave me, I've never owned one and have absolutely zero experience with inboards or dealer purchases, so this is newly charted waters for me; hence all the research.... my knowledge is in center consoles and gofasts with manufacturers. With that being said, I can get to both dealers in 5 mins., from the house in Oklahoma, however, I do know the Nautique dealer personally, although the MasterCraft dealer's also been pretty welcoming. FYI, the boat won't just stay in Oklahoma and will probably end up either in Austin, or possibly Miami.